HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of people will start the New Year with resolutions to lose weight and get in shape. To help more people achieve their goals, Sears, the No. 1 fitness equipment retailer in America, announces 'Drop 5,' a free fitness program designed to help anyone drop five pounds or more in just 30 minutes a day or less. According to the University of Scranton, Journal of Clinical Psychology, 38 percent of New Year's Resolutions are weight-related, yet only eight percent of people are successful in achieving their goals. 

"The reason so many people fail at their New Year's weight-loss resolutions is that they take on unrealistic goals," said Andrea Metcalf, celebrity fitness expert, author of Naked Fitness and FitStudio spokesperson. "I have a lot of clients who set the bar too high, become overwhelmed and either burn out or give up. That is why we created an achievable program to drop five pounds and deliver the desired results."

The 'Drop 5' program consists of cardio in the form of walking or running, and six 10-minute workouts, including Flat Belly Fire, Hot Hips and Thighs, Fat-Blasting Burn, Tush Tightener, Upper Body Mission and Total Body Toner – all to be done on alternating days. Participants will do at least one workout daily, and can mix and match them to customize their own routine. To achieve the 5 lb. weight-loss goal, the program suggests incorporating three cardio and four workout days.

The basic equipment to participate in the program costs less than many gym memberships per month and includes:

• Yoga Mat
• 8 lb. Medicine Ball
• Resistance Bands
• Stability Ball
• Two 5 lb. Dumbbells

The medicine ball and dumbbell weight can always be increased for those that are looking for more of a challenge. All of the equipment is available pre-bundled based on fitness level at www.FitStudio.com/Drop5.

"We know this is the time of year that people are putting fitness first, and resolving to get in shape," said Hugo Malan, senior vice president and president, Fitness, Sporting Goods and Toys at Sears Holdings. "The 'Drop 5' program is designed to be free and accessible to everyone, with variety in mind so people won't get bored and will achieve their weight-loss goals. As a leader in the fitness category, we are committed to helping people lead happier and healthier lives." 

For more information on the 'Drop 5" program, or to become a FitStudio member, visit www.fitstudio.com. For the latest Sears fitness news, deals and tips, "Like" the brand on Facebook and "Follow" it on Twitter.

Members of the Shop Your Way program can join the conversation about Drop 5 on www.shopyourway.com. From the Drop 5 page on Shop Your Way, members can add their own hot products and trends and participate in exclusive sweepstakes.

Before beginning an exercise program, always consult your doctor or qualified health practitioner and be sure to be tested for or report your current level of activity, any chest pains, joint problems, medical conditions (such as diabetes or pregnancy), breathlessness, dizziness, or heart conditions. If you experience any discomfort or pain during an exercise routine, immediately cease the activity and seek the assistance of a qualified physician or health care provider.

About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation is a leading integrated retailer with over 2,600 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada and the home of SHOP YOUR WAY, a social shopping experience where members have the ability to earn points and receive benefits across a wide variety of physical and digital formats through ShopYourWay.com.  Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, fitness equipment and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, with a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, the Kardashian Kollection, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as Sofia by Sofia Vergara and The Country Living Home Collection. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 15 million service and installation calls made annually and have a long-established commitment to those who serve in the military through initiatives like the Heroes at Home program. We have been named the 2011 Mobile Retailer of the Year, Recipient of the 2012 ENERGY STAR® "Corporate Commitment Award" for Product Retailing and Energy Management and one of the Top 20 Best Places to Work for Recent Grads. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation.  For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com. Twitter: @searsholdings | Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SHCCareers.

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation